NAIA cop kills colleague during horseplay

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the police Aviation Security Group (ASG) was shot dead, allegedly by accident, by a fellow policeman while the two of them were engaged in horseplay in their barracks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday.

According to Chief Inspector Sandro Tafalla, victim Police Officer 1 Junomar Salmo, 26, and PO1 David Christian Mariano, 23, along with three other police officers, were teasing each other at around 9:40 a.m. in the barracks shortly after attending yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony.

Tafalla said the three witnesses reported that while joking around, Mariano allegedly drew his 9mm Glock pistol, put it against Salmo’s right check and pulled the trigger. A shot rang out and Salmo fell to the ground as the bullet entered his mouth and lodged in his throat.

He said Salmo was rushed to the San Juan de Dios Hospital but died while undergoing treatment at around 10:20 a.m.

Tafalla said Mariano admitted it was his fault, and “was very sorry it happened to his friend.” The Pasay City police will conduct an official investigation.